Town revokes employee computer purchasing program

Town council has agreed with a staff recommendation to revoke an employee computer purchasing program.

In a report to council, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Wilf Hass stated “The Corporation implemented an employee computer purchasing policy in 2008 as part of an overall effort to be more supportive of employees and their families, especially school age children for whom such a purchase was beneficial but perhaps out of reach of the parents. Employees would identify the equipment they desired and collect quotes; the Corporation would arrangement payment and implement regular deductions from the employee’s salary over a one year period to recoup its expenses. Full time employees are limited to two purchases per year totalling $4000. Part time employees are limited to one purchase to a total of $2000.

The program has been fairly well subscribed, although participation has declined somewhat recently, perhaps reflecting better economic times in the community and decreasing equipment prices.”

Hass’ report went on to explain why he felt the program should be cancelled. Decreasing equipment prices as well as store based purchasing programs make it easier for people to purchase equipment on their own. The kind of equipment being requested now is different: more requests are coming in fortablets, watches, phones etc. as for computers. That is not really within the original scope or spirit of the program.

“The Corporation is expected to demonstrate fiscal restraint. Any effort we can make to streamline processes (such as purchase and payroll management) should be considered. As well, a program that essentially asks the taxpayer to carry the bill for an employee is not necessarily good optics.”